You can also find an experienced disability attorney by:
In order to find a disability lawyer, you should gather referrals from a variety of sources and then look at the lawyers’ websites. Before hiring an attorney, be sure to meet for a consultation. Ask friends or family. You can get referrals by asking anyone you know who has used a disability lawyer in the past if they would recommend their attorney.
An attorney doesn't need to be licensed to represent claimants at disability hearings; in fact, a claimant's representative need not be an attorney at all. However, a licensed attorney may have a better understanding of Social Security law. This is because attorneys receive special training in how to read and interpret statutes and case law.
Also, your lawyer must be able to an attorney who is licensed to practice law in federal court if your claim ever gets appealed to that level. Here are some additional questions you can ask to get an idea of the attorney's expertise. "How many years have you practiced disability law?"
Avoid a lawyer who promises a specific outcome. Any attorney who promises a certain result is behaving unethically. For example, an attorney cannot promise that you will get approved for disability or that your case will go faster if you hire the lawyer.
When you call a potential attorney, pay attention to the level of professionalism and treatment you are given by the attorney and staff. Even though disability firms are generally busy places, you should still receive timely callbacks and be given the chance to ask questions.
A good attorney will give you an honest assessment of your case only after reviewing the facts. A good attorney will also admit that he or she probably can't get you approved any faster than you could on your own. Here is a sample question you should ask and a sample answer a good attorney should give you:
Even though disability firms are busy places, you should be provided with a contact person who you can rely on to answer your questions. The firm should also keep in touch with you on a regular basis. Here are some questions you should ask to get an idea of how your case will be handled:
Don't be put off if you can't speak to the attorney the first time you call, or if you are asked to speak to a staff member for help with a question. This is because experienced disability attorneys spend most of their time in hearings and rely on their staff to field calls. However, a good firm should allow you to schedule a free consultation ...
Not all disability firms will accept children's cases, and those that do may not have much experience with them. If you are filing on behalf of a child, make sure that the firm you deal with has experience with childhood disability questions.
Nolo has confirmed that every listed attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with their bar association.
The internet has made it easier to find service providers, like attorneys. The disability legal practice is quite broad so there are likely to be listings of lawyers in different places.
Many disability claims can be handled quickly if the paperwork is filled out correctly or you are able to adequately explain why your circumstances meet the criteria for benefits payment.
Finding a lawyer can be a daunting prospect. Lawyers are specialized and it is important that you find one who deals specifically with your type of legal issue. This is particularly so when dealing with a disability, which can have varied definitions based on specific programs and statutes.
A lawyer who specializes in your disability doesn’t need to spend as much time getting up to speed on the law in order to determine the best legal steps for you. That can also significantly affect how much you end up paying the lawyer out-of-pocket to pursue your claim. They may also have access to the best experts in the field and be able to let you know what sort of outcome you can expect in your situation.
In any event, consider consulting with a legal expert in a timely fashion to ensure that you are protecting your rights.
The best people to ask for recommendations are people who have been in a similar situation to the one you are in. These individuals understand what you are facing and will be able to help you find the right advocates and resources.
You may not have worked with a disability lawyer before, but you may have a previous relationship with a lawyer of another specialty, such as a real estate or divorce attorney. If you do, it would be a good idea to ask that lawyer for a reference. Most attorneys will be more familiar with other lawyers’ work than the general population, even if they are in different specialties.
Nolo, a website which focuses on the law, runs a directory of disability attorneys that you can use. You can click on your state and then type in your zip code.
Other people hire an attorney when they first apply for benefits. In order to find a disability lawyer, you should gather referrals from a variety of sources and then look at the lawyers’ websites. Before hiring an attorney, be sure to meet for a consultation.
You should be able to get a free consultation with a disability attorney. It usually will last from 15-30 minutes. Call your top two or three lawyers and ask to schedule a consultation. Don’t be surprised if you don’t talk to the lawyer directly.
Ask friends or family. You can get referrals by asking anyone you know who has used a disability lawyer in the past if they would recommend their attorney. Co-workers may be a good source of information as well.
The law also limits how much disability attorneys can collect. Generally, a disability attorney can only collect as a fee 25% of your past-due benefits up to a maximum of $6,000.
If the lawyer does not handle disability cases like your own, then you should be told that fact. Thank the person for their time and ask if they can recommend a lawyer who does handle cases involving your disability.
The purpose of these questions is to see if your case is something that the lawyer regularly handles. For example, some lawyers do not handle children’s disability cases.